Braves outfielder Jason Heyward was named Baseball America’s top prospect this morning, edging out 2009 No. 1 overall pick Stephen Strasburg. This afternoon, Heyward proved why.
According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Dave O’Brien, the 20-year-old went to town in batting practice today, denting a Coca-Cola truck and smashing a team executive’s sunroff with measuring-tape shots over the outfield wall at Champion Stadium.
“Every ball was just scalded,” added manager Bobby Cox.
A 6-foot-5, 245-pound McDonough, Georgia native, Heyward batted .323/.408/.555 with 17 homers, 46 total extra-base hits and 11 steals in 99 games between high Single-A and Double-A last season. He finished the year at Triple-A with a .364/.462/.364 batting line in 13 plate appearances. It’s safe to say the kid is probably ready for the major leagues and the Braves will certainly be tempted to add him to the Opening Day roster. Cox even hinted at the idea earlier this month.